Three-in-a-row game apparatus

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus comprising a rectangular hollow box-like case having an open side in which a plurality of rectangularly shaped flat cards are inserted, there being provided in a face surface of the case three horizontal rows of openings totaling nine in number with the first row having square openings, the second row having round openings, and the third row having triangular openings, each opening having a similarly shaped cover fitted into the opening and removable therefrom, and with each of the cards in the case having pictures or objects positioned thereon so as to appear beneath the openings in the face surface of the case when the cover of the opening is removed. The object of the game is that the players take turns selecting one of the covers to remove and then answering the question or identifying the object or picture exposed in the opening with the winner of the game being the first to answer three questions or identify three objects in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row. A plurality of cards being present in the case such that a new game may be played by merely removing the card of the game just played and placing such card at the bottom of the stack of cards in the case.

United States Patent [191 Nehre [451 Mar. 25, 1975 1 THREE-IN- A-ROW GAME APPARATUS [76] Inventor: John Nehre, 60 Harvard Ln., Napa,

Calif. 94558 [22] Filed: Jan. 7, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 431,576

[52] US. Cl. 273/130 B, 35/73, 273/136 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f 3/00 [58] Field of Search 273/130 R, 130 AC, 130 B, 273/130 C, 130 D, 131 D, 136 R, 136 B, 136 D, 136 E, 136 H, 136 K, 136 Z, 139, 135 B, 135 BC, 148 A, 151; 35/9 E, 22 A, 28, 31 C, 31 D,31 F,3l (1,35 D, 35 E, 35 H, 35 J, 73;

Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Harry G. Strappello [57] ABSTRACT A game apparatus comprising a rectangular hollow box-like case having an open side in which a plurality of rectangularly shaped flat cards are inserted, there being provided in a face surface of the case three horizontal rows of openings totaling nine in number with the first row having square openings, the second row having round openings, and the third row having triangular openings, each opening having a similarly shaped cover fitted into the opening and removable therefrom, and with each of the cards in the case having pictures or objects positioned thereon so as to appear beneath the openings in the face surface of the case when the cover of the opening is removed. The object of the game is that the players take turns selecting one of the covers to remove and then answering the question or identifying the object or picture exposed in the opening with the winner of the game being the first to answer three questions or identify three objects in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row. A plurality of cards being present in the case such that a new game may be played by merely removing the card of the game just played and placing such card at the bottom of the stack of cards in the case.

1 Claim, 5 Drawing Figures 1 THREE-IN-A-ROW GAME APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to game apparatus and more particularly to a novel education type game adapted to meet the varying interests and abilities of different age groups.

2. Description of the Prior Art While the prior art discloses numerous games of different sizes, shapes, configurations and adapted to be played in different ways, such games are normally of a fixed construction and developed to meet the interests and abilities of a specific age group, or alternatively, develop to encompass all age groups as a sort of entertainment value compromise therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel game apparatus which is adaptable to meet the vary interests and abilities of any particular age group and is adaptable for use in a playful and entertaining manner of testing or teaching individuals abilities in math, art, science, physics, and the like.

It is a provision of the present invention to provide and open sided case having a plurality of various configured openings in the face surface thereof with each opening having a cover associated therewith and with there being a stack of cards in the case and with each card having pictures, objects or questions thereon disposed in positions thereon to be viewed through respective' ones of the openings when the covers are removed therefrom, it being an object of the game for an individual to remove a cover and then answer the question oridentify the object disclosed in the opening, the winner of the game being the first individual to correctly identify such objects or answer such questions in a manner to form a line of three in a row.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a new and improved game apparatus for playing a game which is educational as well as entertaining.

A further feature of the present invention provides a game apparatus which is adaptable to meet the interests and skill abilities of different age groups.

Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a game apparatus which may be used in a competitive manner as to identifying art, sciences, physics, and the like or for use in the working of mathematical equations or the like.

. Among the further features and advantages of the present invention is the provision of a game apparatus which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods; one which is possessed of few parts and which therefore is unlikely to get out of order; one which is easy to use and reliable and efficient in operation; one which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to provide many years of intended usage; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; and one which is otherwise well adapted to perfonn the services required of its.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the game apparatus; 1

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along Line 3-M of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a typical card as used in the game apparatus; and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of yet a further typical card intended for use with the game apparatus DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a preferred game apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally by the reference numeral and which is comprised of a case 11 and a stack of identically shaped cards 12 adapted to be received in the case in stacked relationship. The case 11 may be manu factured out of metal, wood, hard rubber, plastic, cardboard, or any other suitable satisfactory material; and the cards 12 may be similarly manufactured out of metal, wood, hard rubber, plastic, cardboard or any other suitable satisfactory material. In the preferred embodiment the case 11 is manufactured of rigid cardboard with the cards 12 also being manufactured of cardboard.

The case 11 is of a rectangularly shaped hollow boxlike configuration having a horizontal top surface 21, a horizontal bottom surface 22, a vertical closed side surface 23, vertical face surface 24, vertical back surface 25, an open side 26 which provides entry to a compartment 27 formed interiorly of the surfaces 21-25 respectively. A pair of vertically spaced apart horizontally extending straps 28 are provided each having one end permanently affixed to back surface adjacent open side 26 with each strap having a terminal end 29 provided with a snap 30 adapted to be aligned with and cooperate with a corresponding mating portion of the sanp secured on face surface 24 adjacent open side 26 so as to detachably attach the straps in position across the open end 26.

The face surface 24 is provided parallel to top surface 21 and adjacent thereto with an elongated retangular slot with there being disposed therebelow three horizontal rows of openings with each row having three openings therein and with the first row having rectangularly shaped openings 41, 42 and 43; the second row having circular shaped openings 44, 45, and 46; and the third row having triangularly shaped openings 47, 48 and 49. Openings 41, 44 and 47 are in vertical alignment; openings 42, and 48 are in vertical alignment; and openings 43, 46, and 49 are in vertical alignment. Each of the openings 41-14 43 is provided with a complementary shaped rectangular cover 51-53 each having a handle projecting outwardly therefrom; each of the circular openings 44-46 is provided with a complementary circular cover 54-56 each having a handle 60 projecting outwardly therefrom; and

each of the triangular openings 47-49 are each provided with a complementary triangularly shaped cover 57-59 each provided with a handle 60 projecting outwardly therefrom. Each of the covers 51-59 are frictionally retained in their associated openings 41-49 and are adapted to be removed therefrom or inserted thereinto by an individual grasping the associated handle member 60 for manipulation fo the cover.

The stackof cards 12 are comprised of a plurality of identically shaped and configured substantially flat rectangularly shaped cards 65 with each card having a face portion 66 on which there is imprinted pictures or objects in position thereon to be aligned with the nine openings 41-49 along with an identifying indicia to be aligned with the slot 35, the cards when in stacked relal5 cess 61 in face surface 24 adjacent open end 26 to provide indentification of the card.

As seen in FIG. 4 there is provided a card having nine different types of fruits 70 positioned thereon, whereas inFlG. 5 there is illustrated a card having nine different typesof sporting goods apparel representing different sports. For the card of FlG. 4 it would be required that individuals indentify the fruits represented by the pictures, whereas for the card of FIG. 5 it would be required that individuals identify the sports represented by the sport paraphenalia illustrated in the drawings.

To play the game, the game is played by two or more players with it being preferred that a coin be tossed to determine which player will be first tp play. The players then take turns selecting one of the covers 51-59 to remove from its associated opening-and then identify the object exposed in the opening or, if the card beneath the face surface of the case is provided with questions theron, then lifting the cover would expose a question which must be answered by the player. If the player correctly answers the question or identifies the object, the player then proceeds to another opening and lifts the cover thereof to again expose a new picture or question to be identified or answered by the player. This procedure continues until the player has answered correctly three questions or identified correctly three objects in a row, the player then being the winner for the card with the card then being removed from the front of the stack of cards and being reinserted into the back of the stack of cards such that a new card takes it place immediately behind the face surface 24 of the case 11.

However, should a player miss a question or not be able to identify an object, then the players turn is over and the next player starts his turn in the same manner with the purpose being to be the first player to answer correctly three questions or identify correctly three objects in a row so as to be declared the winner.

It is to be understood that the cards 65 may be provided with objects or questions on various subject matters and in varying difficulties such that the game is adaptable to meet the interest and abilities of different age groups from the youngest pre-school children to the oldest and highest skilled adult, the game readily adaptable for use in identifying objects or answering questions in the fields of art, science, physics, math, and the like.

It is to be-understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed is:

1. A game apparatus comprising, in combination: a hollow rectangularly shaped box-like case having a horizontal flat top surface, a horizontal flat bottom surface, a closed vertically extending side wall sur- I face, an open vertically extending opposite side wall surface, a vertical flat front face wall surface, and a vertical flat back face wall surface;

a rectangularly shaped compartment defined interiorly of said surface and opening out of said open side wall surface;

an elongated horizontally extending slot disposed in said front face surface adjacent a top edge thereof and extending therealong intermediate the side edges, the slot in communication with said compartment;

a first horizontal row of three identical rectangularly shaped openings disposed in said face surface vertically below said horizontal slot, the openings spaced horizontally apart from each other;

a second row of three circular disposed in said face surface immediately below said first row of openings, each opening of said second row disposed in vertical alignment with opening of said first row disposed immediately thereabove, each of said second row openings spaced horizontally apart from each other;

a third row of three triangularly shaped openings disposed in said face surface, each of said triangularly shaped openings being vertically aligned with a circular opening of said second row disposed immediately thereabove, each of said triangular openings being spaced horizontally apart from each other;

plurality of rectangularly shaped cover members each associated with one of said rectangular openings to be received therein for closing the same;

a plurality of circular shaped cover members each associated with one of said circular openings of said second row and each adapted to be received in said associated opening to completely close the same; plurality of triangularly shaped cover members each associated with one of said triangular openings of said third row, each of a configuration adapted to be received completely in said associated opening for completely closing the same; plurality of axially elongated cylindrically shaped rod forming handle members, each handle member associated with one of said cover members and having one end affixed centrally thereto on the exterior surface therof with the handle member projecting outwardly therefrom in a manner adapted to be grasped in an individual s hand for use in the removal and insertion of the cover member relative to its associated opening for the opening and closing of each of said openings;

a recess of a semi-circular configuration disposed centrally of said front face wall surface and opening into the edge thereof adjacentmost said open side wall surface to provide access to said compartment a pair of vertically spaced apart flexible strap members each having one end affixed to said back face wallsurface adjacent the edge thereof adjacentmost said open side wall surface, the free ends of said strap members adapted to overlie said open side wall surface and a portion of said front face wall surface;

fastening means mounted on said free ends of said strap members;

fastening means affixed to said front face wall surface adjacent the edge thereof adjacentmost to the open side wall surface and adapted to have said strap member fastening means detachably affixed thereto for selective engagement therewith such that the strap members are movable between an open position providing unobstructed access to said compartment, and a closed position wherein they overlie said entrance to said compartment and restrict the ingress and egress thereof;

a plurality of identically shaped and configured rectangular flat card members each having a flat face surface, a flat back surface, top and bottom edges, and opposed side edges, said card members adapted in be placed n stacked front-to-back parallel relationship and inserted into said compartment with said front surfaces thereof facing forwardly in the direction of said compartment front face wall surface;

said card members being retained in said compartment by means of said strap members when overlying said entrance to said compartment;

an identifying sequential number disposed on the face surface of each of said card members along the side edge thereof and centrally thereof providing unique identification of each of said card members, each member adapted to be aligned with said semi-circular recess when said card members are disposed in said case compartment;

entitling indicia extending horizontally in a single line along said face surface of each of said card members along a top edge thereof, said entitling indicia adapted to be aligned with said horizontally elongated slot in said case front wall surface when said card member is disposed immediately behind said face surface such that the entitling indicia is viewable therethrough exteriorly of said case;

nine independent and separate legends disposed in whereby said cover members are operatively associated with each of said openings and operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening in a manner to hide or expose the legend on the card disposed in juxtaposition therebeneath. 

1. A game apparatus comprising, in combination: a hollow rectangularly shaped box-like case having a horizontal flat top surface, a horizontal flat bottom surface, a closed vertically extending side wall surface, an open vertically extending opposite side wall surface, a vertical flat front face wall surface, and a vertical flat back face wall surface; a rectangularly shaped compartment defined interiorly of said surface and opening out of said open side wall surface; an elongated horizontally extending slot disposed in said front face surface adjacent a top edge thereof and extending therealong intermediate the side edges, the slot in communication with said compartment; a first horizontal row of three identical rectangularly shaped openings disposed in said face surface vertically below said horizontal slot, the openings spaced horizontally apart from each other; a second row of three circular disposed in said face surface immediately below said first row of openings, each opening of said second row disposed in vertical alignment with opening of said first row disposed immediately thereabove, each of said second row openings spaced horizontally apart from each other; a third row of three triangularly shaped openings disposed in said face surface, each of said triangularly shaped openings being vertically aligned with a circular opening of said second row disposed immediately thereabove, each of said triangular openings being spaced horizontally apart from each other; a plurality of rectangularly shaped cover members each associated with one of said rectangular openings to be received therein for closing the same; a plurality of circular shaped cover members each associated with one of said circular openings of said second row and each adapted to be received in said associated opening to completely close the same; a plurality of triangularly shaped cover members each associated with one of said triangular openings of said third row, each of a configuration adapted to be received completely in said associated opening for completely closing the same; a plurality of axially elongated cylindrically shaped rod forming handle members, each handle member associated with one of said cover members and having one end affixed centrally thereto on the exterior surface therof with the handle member projecting outwardly therefrom in a manner adapted to be grasped in an individual''s hand for use in the removal and insertion of the cover member relative to its associated opening for the opening and closing of each of said openings; a recess of a semi-circular configuration disposed centrally of said front face wall surface and opening into the edge thereof adjacentmost said open side wall surface to provide access to said compartment a pair of vertically spaced apart flexible strap members each having one end affixed to said back face wall surface adjacent the edge thereof adjacentmost said open side wall surface, the free ends of said strap members adapted to overlie said open side wall surface and a portion of said front face wall surface; fastening means mounted on said free ends of said strap members; fastening means affixed to said front face wall surface adjacent the edge thereof adjacentmost to the open side wall surface and adapted to have said strap member fastening means detachably affixed thereto for selective engagement therewith such that the strap members are movable between an open position providing unobstructed access to said compartment, and a closed position wherein they overlie said entrance to said compartment and restrict the ingress and egress thereof; a plurality of identically Shaped and configured rectangular flat card members each having a flat face surface, a flat back surface, top and bottom edges, and opposed side edges, said card members adapted in be placed n stacked front-to-back parallel relationship and inserted into said compartment with said front surfaces thereof facing forwardly in the direction of said compartment front face wall surface; said card members being retained in said compartment by means of said strap members when overlying said entrance to said compartment; an identifying sequential number disposed on the face surface of each of said card members along the side edge thereof and centrally thereof providing unique identification of each of said card members, each member adapted to be aligned with said semi-circular recess when said card members are disposed in said case compartment; entitling indicia extending horizontally in a single line along said face surface of each of said card members along a top edge thereof, said entitling indicia adapted to be aligned with said horizontally elongated slot in said case front wall surface when said card member is disposed immediately behind said face surface such that the entitling indicia is viewable therethrough exteriorly of said case; nine independent and separate legends disposed in three horizontal rows of three legends each, the legends disposed on said face surface of each of said card members and being of a species within the generic entitling indicia on said card member, the spacing both horizontally and vertically between said legends corresponding to the three rows of openings in said case front wall surface such that said legends of said card member disposed immediately behind said case front wall surface are visible through said openings when said cover members have been removed therefrom; and whereby said cover members are operatively associated with each of said openings and operable to selectively cover and uncover said opening in a manner to hide or expose the legend on the card disposed in juxtaposition therebeneath. 